A blog about Thomas Witlam Atkinson and Lucy Atkinson, the 19th century explorers of Siberia and Central Asia

2018 Zhetysu Expedition: following the Atkinson trail into the Djungar Alatau Mountains

Just back from a remarkable expedition on horseback into the Djungar Alatau Mountains of Eastern Kazakhstan, following in the footsteps of the journey made by Thomas and Lucy Atkinson in the spring and summer of 1849. We were the first outsiders to visit this remote region since the Atkinsons.

I will be producing a full report on the expedition, which was organised in conjuction with the Kazakh Geographic Society. For now, here are a few pictures of this stunningly beautiful part of the world. Thanks to David O’Neill for some of these pics.

At 3200m on the Pass with No NameCrossing the Kora RiverDescending into Sunny ValleyAt Zhassyl Kul lake